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Faryl Smith CD giveaway

April 27, 2009 By 26 Comments

 

Faryl Smith has a very relaxing sound that my kids and I can sway to. This is my kind of music. I listened to it four times in a row last week when I opened my cd. I just love her voice and sound. Her voice just doesn’t sound like she could possibly be only 13 years old. I’m absolutely amazed. I love her grace, beauty, and elegance. I think it all resonates in her music. If you believe it or not, I did write the above comments before watching the judges opinions. ;-) You can purchase her music on Amazon

I found this and I wanted to cry: She is amazing: Even Simone thinks so.

 

FarylPRESS2Britain’s Latest Teen Sensation – 13 Year-Old Classical Star Faryl Smith – Releases Debut Album ‘Faryl’ on March 9th 2009

“The 13 year-old is set for superstardom”

News of The World

“It would take a heart colder than the icy winds pounding the Playlist window not to acknowledge this superstar-in waiting”

Daily Star – Playlist

“UCJ’s new teenage sensation”

Music Week

Fayrl-Cover-Art900 ‘FARYL’ – Tracklisting

1) Amazing Grace 
2) The River of Light (Blue Danube) 
3) Ave Maria 
4) Annie’s Song 
5) A Nightingale Sang in Berkeley Square 
6) Mother of God, Here I Stand 
7) Shenandoah 
8) Brahm’s Lullaby
9) Calon Lan 
10) How Can I Keep From Singing 
11) Somewhere
12) The Way Old Friends Do

River of Light has been written by Ivor Novello winning writer Frank Musker and is based on The Blue Danube by John Strauss – one of the most popular tunes of all time. The melody is loved around the world but no one has ever heard it like this before.

No doubt one of the album’s hidden gems is The Way Old Friends Do written by Abba’s Bjon Ulvaeus and taken from their 1980 classic Super Trouper album. Bjorn personally changed the lyrics to suit the young star.

“…ordinarily Abba are very strict and never sanction lyric changes, but with Faryl, Bjorn offered to change the words personally” (Tom Lewis  – UCJ)

Preview this

Enter:

Visit Faryl and tell me something from her story.

Extra Entries

Subscribe to my blog
Follow me on twitter tell me your twitter ID
Blog about the giveaway include a link to me and a link to the sponsor for three extra entries Tweet the giveaway (every time you tweet you get an entry)
Add my button to your blog/blog roll
Add my Father’s Day Fling Button to your blog or website.
Leave a comment for every entry and the giveaway ends May 17th

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The Beach Street Kitting Society and Yarn Club

April 27, 2009 By 1 Comment

book cover of The Beach Street Knitting Society and Yarn Club by Gil McNeil

I wanted to read this book because I thought it was about knitting. I didn’t even realize it was a novel about a woman named Jo whose husband dies right after telling her he wants a divorce. This book is about her new life with her children in a seaside town where she decides to run her grandmother’s yarn store. My favorite part is that it is quite English. I have quite a few English friends in my MOMS Club and hearing them talk with an accent and their word usage is entertaining as was this book.

The reviews on Amazon range from 1 to 5 as do most reviews and it averages a 3 and a 1/2. I think some people are disappointed that it’s not about yarn, and it’s a bit of a shallow read. What I mean by that is that there isn’t a lot of thought, not much plot, but there is friendship and family.  It is a sweet and funny story. The relationship and character development of Jo’s sons is very well written. The young children seem real and relatable as kids. Her relationship that develops with a movie star is an interesting part of the story as well.

About the Author:

 

Gil McNeil's picture

 

Gil McNeil used to work in advertising and decided to become an author. She has written a few book. The Only Boy for Me, Stand by Your Man and In the Wee Small Hours. The Beach Street Knitting Society and Yarn Club is also known as Divas Don’t Knit. It will be followed by Needles and Pearls. Gil McNeil has edited four collections of stories with Sarah Brown, and helps run the charity PiggyBankKids which supports projects that create opportunities for children.

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Meal Plan Monday

April 26, 2009 By Leave a Comment

menuplanmonday

Monday
Grilled Cheese

Tuesday

Wednesday
Veggies/chicken

Thursday

Friday

Saturday/Sunday

I am out of food. I can’t believe it. I have no idea what to make because I have nothing to make. I hate being in this position. Anyone Have any ideas, I think I’m going to need some help this week.

Filed Under: Meal plan

Who Will You Notice Giveaway

April 26, 2009 By 31 Comments

 

AAndrews_TheNoticer_cover art

Andy Andrews has written an inspirational novel based on a true story about a man that helped people find the good in all the bad around us. A mysterious man named Jones shows up at just the right time for people He helps them notice ways to change, and gain acceptance. He is a man of indiscriminate age wearing plain clothing and carrying an old suitcase. His perspective is his gift and he shares it with everyone helping them with divorce, finance and the feeling of hopelessness.

Falling under the self-help category The Noticer brings encouragement and motivation. There is even a movement being supported on Facebook and twitter.  The Noticer Project

 

 

The concept is based on the new book "The Noticer" (Thomas Nelson, April 28, 2009) by bestselling author of "The Traveler’s Gift" Andy Andrews, which is all about gaining fresh perspective on life by noticing the little things. How you choose to recognize the five people who made a special impact on your life can take many forms-by joining The Noticer Project Facebook group, by publicity posting on TheNoticerProject.com, by posting a note on your personal Facebook site or blog, or even just sending individual emails. The basic point is to offer hope and encouragement in these tough times through the simple act of recognizing someone significant to you.

My husband is significant to me. He notices the beauty in me when I refuse to see any good in myself

My best friend Courtney is always there for me, even when she might not be happy with me.

My grandmothers are the best role models anyone can ask for.

My dad is a rock.

I have a few copies to giveaway.

Enter:

Tell me at least two people in your life that are significant, maybe even tell them.

Extra Entries:

Subscribe to my blog
Follow me on twitter tell me your twitter ID
Blog about the giveaway include a link to me and a link to the sponsor for three extra entries Tweet the giveaway (every time you tweet you get an entry)
Add my button to your blog/blog roll
Add my Father’s Day Fling Button to your blog or website.
Leave a comment for every entry and the giveaway ends May 16th

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Snazzy Baby Knee Pads Review

April 26, 2009 By 1 Comment

Snazzy BabySnazzy Baby Knee Pads made me wish they were bigger. I wanted to try these out when I found out about them. My son isn’t walking yet, but I’m not worried about him, he’s only one. It’s about to be summer and shorts will be necessary so I thought we could use these.

Knee Pads are great for babies that are crawling. It allows them to be able to crawl outside on any surface. They won’t scrape their knees and inside on the carpet. My children get carpet burn, but now he won’t.

imageI  want to be completely honest, I figured I’d be writing a negative review. They looked so cheap from the picture I saw of them. I was wrong. I love to admit I’m wrong when it is in favor of the company. These are amazing. They are soft, extremely soft. My two year old loves them. She just adores wearing them around her wrists. They are easy to put on. She can put them on herself, and my son can’t get them off yet but give him time. They are colorful. They come in three shades of Blue and Pink.

One negative, just one, my chubby one year old complains after a while and he wants them off. I think they are just a tad small. That’s my opinion though. I can’t read his mind, which would be really fun. I would love to know what he’s thinking about. He might just be upset because there is something different. He’s going to thin out as he gets older and since these are meant to be used up to four years old, I’m sure we’re going to get a lot of use out of them.

I recommend getting some. You can use the coupon code “SPRING09” to receive 5.00 off of any order placed. Their products are enjoyed all over the world and even in Hollywood.

" Thank you for the goodies for Braydon’s 1st birthday. I can’t wait to try the seat since he is such a wiggle worm these days! Everything is great and we are enjoying all the products!" – Love, Melissa and company" – Quote courtesy of CelebrityChitt.Com
Melissa Joan Hart,
USA

Snazzy Baby also makes a combo carrier, deluxe combo carrier, and the deluxe travel chair. The travel chair can be used in restaurants and in grocery carts. Thank you Snazzy Baby for allowing us to review your Knee Pads.

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Gossip Girl NYC real stories revealed with Dove

April 26, 2009 By 2 Comments

My sister loves to watch and read Gossip Girl. It is one of the only shows she watches now that she has a full time job. So I hear about things, and well Dove wanted me to make sure everyone knows about Monday night’s kick off to the Real NYC Stories Revealed.

The video series will introduce each story in a 90-second airing during the last commercial break of Gossip Girl on The CW beginning tomorrow night Monday April 27. The finale of each girl’s story will be available on-line or www.cwtv.com/dovegofresh.

What’s Behind each episode?

A new line of soap

image Dove Go Fresh has partnered with The CW in these videos. Gossip Girl is rated the number one show for 20-something women (which explains why my sister loves it and I haven’t seen a single episode (I’m almost 30)).  Jessica Szohr is promoting the series in celebration of the launch of the NEW Dove Go fresh Burst Body Wash.

 

 

 

 

 

http://www.rocketxl.com/gofreshburst/assets/images/hi_res_photos/D20090315_065.jpgThese real girls have followed their passions to define their own successes in life. Their real stories are being shared to encourage all 20-something girls to live life with a fresh perspective and inspire others to pursue their dreams as they juggle common life pressures such as careers, relationships, beauty, finances, family and friends. The four real girls are:  

  • Chrissie Miller: fashion designer and founder of the Sophomore apparel brand
  • Faythallegra Coleman: emerging Brooklyn-based filmmaker and writer
  • Dani Stahl: style director for Nylon magazine, jewelry designer and “IT” girl
  • Lara Meiland-Shaw: co-founder of a Lara Hélène Bridal Atelier and philanthropist
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Mutsy Grow Up Giveaway

April 25, 2009 By 246 Comments

 logo mutsy 08

 

 CMYK grow-up! blueberry-front

MUTSY GROW-UP!

The most stylish seat at the table for baby.  Mutsy’s Grow-Up! booster seat allows baby to sit in the average grown up chair safely and comfortably.  Grow-Up! features a clever harness to ensure baby is securely fastened.  The easy to clean, easy to transport seat is ideal from when baby can sit unaided to approximately 4 years of age.

Just in case you did not have time to watch the video above here is what I have to tell you. My Mutsy Grow up is the new Blueberry. It also comes in Raspberry, Aqua, Apple, Mandarin. It is soft and squishy to the touch, it must be comfortable because my daughter likes to sit in it. She asks to sit in it. I think it’s a great booster seat for us to keep in the van so that we always have one with us.

It is extremely easy to install and if you watch the video you’ll see how you can tighten it. The design of the straps is very simple and secure at the same time. When I saw all of it at first I was a bit worried, but I’m not anymore. My daughter likes to play with the straps and she can hook them and unhook them very easily so if you’re intent on using it as a security system it’s not going to work. But it is in my opinion safe to use as a booster seat if it is installed correctly.

You can find out more about the Mutsy Grow Up booster seat at Mutsy.com or even order one at Goores.com. Mutsy specializes in strollers and seating.

Win one:

Visit Mutsy and tell me what you would like from their site. They have some really nice stuff.

Extra Entries:

Subscribe to my blog
Follow me on twitter tell me your twitter ID
Blog about the giveaway include a link to me and a link to the sponsor for three extra entries Tweet the giveaway (every time you tweet you get an entry)
Add my button to your blog/blog roll
Leave a comment for every entry and the giveaway ends May 15th

Filed Under: giveaway, review, VLog Tagged With: , ,

Give a child Fresh Air – Be a host

April 24, 2009 By 3 Comments

 

Wouldn’t it be great to be a host to children over the summer. Especially if you are helping out other children. The countdown to Summer has begun and The Fresh Air Fund is in need of host families. Host families are volunteers who open their hearts and home to a child from the city to give them a fresh air experience.

At first when I was reading this I figured it was about helping the air quality or letting kids get out of smoggy areas, but it’s more about getting them into a nicer environment for the summer. These kids are from families that have to work during the summer and can not afford day care. The camp or host families keep kids off of the streets and provide many different learning venues for them. One Example is the Career Awareness Program.

Young people in the Career Awareness Program are encouraged to:

  • Build self-confidence and self-esteem
  • Improve reading, writing and communications skills
  • Develop problem-solving and critical thinking abilities
  • Accept guidance in the exploration of educational and career options
  • Enhance their computer learning
  • Find out about jobs and learn more about specific career paths
  • Meet volunteer mentors and guest speakers from a wide range of professions
  • Understand the vital link between school and future employment
  • Learn more about education, training, employment and life choices
  • Become motivated and focused on plans for the future
  • Work as a team with peers and share responsibilities
  • Have a lot of fun

 

If you live in one of the green states you should consider hosting, everyone else could make a donation.

Friendly Town host families are volunteers who live in the suburbs or small town communities. Host families range in size, ethnicity and background, but share the desire to open their hearts and homes to give city children an experience they will never forget. Hosts say the Fresh Air experience is as enriching for their own families, as it is for the inner-city children. There are no financial requirements for hosting a child. Volunteers may request the age-group and gender of the Fresh Air youngster they would like to host.

I really like blogging and finding out about all these great things we can do to help others.

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Win a free pair of glasses – giveaway

April 24, 2009 By 160 Comments

EyeBuyDirect.com - Buy Eyeglasses Online

I wanted to see if it could actually be done before I offered this giveaway to Mom Start. Eye Buy Direct offered me a pair of glasses to review and giveaway. I said, umm, can you actually get a pair of glasses for 100.00. OK, if you say so.

Guess GU1273I went to check it out. They have so many frames to choose from. It was really hard to narrow it down. I even picked out a pair and my husband said, you’re not going to like those. I picked out a pair with nose pieces. I hate nose pieces because they get nasty from nose sweat. (I’m sure Eye Buy Direct likes me talking about nose sweat in their review). Then they turn green. So I went back and narrowed the search by plastic frames.

After picking out a pair, the frames are so cheap, that’s always what gets me at the store is frames are so darn expensive. And my prescription is so bad I have to get thin or extra thin lenses. I was still able to add extra features to my glasses after getting thin lenses.

I added scratch resistance, and non reflective. I added the tinting in the sun. I’m really happy with them. I think I’m going to go back and get my next pair with them too. I have my eye on some designer lenses. ***This Giveaway does not include designer glasses*******

They came really quickly as well. 100.00 can get you one pair of glasses with out insurance.

Win a pair:

Visit: EyeBuyDirect and do one of the following three things: (Each one is worth an entry)

1.) Post their "Eye Try" photo to our Wall of Frame (http://www.eyebuydirect.com/wall-of-frames.html)
2.) Post a comment to our Wall of Frame.
3.) Then post a comment on your blog stating which eyeglass frame they would choose if they won and a link to their "Eye Try" photo.

Extra Entries:

Subscribe to my blog
Follow me on twitter tell me your twitter ID
Blog about the giveaway include a link to me and a link to the sponsor for three extra entries Tweet the giveaway (every time you tweet you get an entry)
Add my button to your blog/blog roll
Leave a comment for every entry and the giveaway ends May 15th

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Aurora – photo editing software giveaway

April 23, 2009 By 216 Comments

Aurora_Comparisons4 *    Aurora is powered by a sophisticated algorithm that suggests the improvements you see in the pop-up image selector. It’s as easy as clicking on the improved image you like best.

 

Screenshot of Aurora - Relight Edit*    The unique Relight feature is like turning on a light bulb inside your photograph. Aurora can detect where your photograph  needs more light, and where it doesn’t, and it will naturally relight your image. (You can see in the attached before-and-after image that shows how you can transform an image where half of someone’s face is in a shadow).

*    When you save your edited image, you are NOT saving over the original. Aurora is non-destructive. It will save your edited file with the same name as the original plus an “_au” at the end of the file name so you know which is the edited version. This is a nice feature so that you can keep your originals for future editing (or other needs).

*    Log in to Flickr, Facebook, SmugMug or other social media accounts from within Aurora. That will sync Aurora to your social media account and then enable you to edit photos you have on Flickr in Aurora, automatically updating the version on Flickr. Pretty cool!

There was a very positive review on Imaging Resource which is a website for amateur photographers.

"Aurora is the answer for intuitive photo editing," said Tracey Clark, photographer (www.traceyclark.com), mom and founder of ShutterSisters.com. "I love its unique way of presenting editing options. In my experience using the software, Aurora makes it easy for anyone to improve and beautifully enhance their images."

About Light Crafts, Inc.

Light Crafts, Inc. is a company that believes everyone’s photos should look great and that getting them to look that way should be simple. Light Crafts’ patent-pending image processing technology powers Aurora, the powerfully simple photo editing, organizing and sharing software, and the award-winning LightZone(TM) digital image editing application suite. Light Crafts was founded in 2004 by Fabio Riccardi. The company is privately-funded and based in Palo Alto, California. For more information about Light Crafts and Aurora, please visit www.lightcrafts.com.

My Opinion on Aurora

The software is made by Light Crafts downloaded and stalled with no problems. Then when I opened it it took a long time before I could do anything. I know it was because it actually indexed all of my photos and we have tons, we’ve been completely digital since the birth of my daughter and take 1,000s of pictures.

I was a bit impatient and tried to do some editing before it was done and it crashed on me. However, when I opened it again it worked just fine. This software is not something that I would purchase and that’s because we already own Photoshop.

However, I like it and will recommend it because it is cheaper than Photoshop and it indexes your photos(organizes), you can easily add comments and tags to your photos. You can edit the photos and it doesn’t copy over your original photo. I am happy to have a copy of it now.

It has limitations in what it does, you can’t add graphics or make it look like Kim Anderson art. You can just make adjustments, sepia, black and white and the aurora setting is pretty cool. The enhancements are much better than what you can do with the on-line places.

Best of all is automatically uploading the photos from within the program.

Aurora’s powerfully simple solution not only edits
photos, but it has sophisticated tools to help organize
photos; online back-up services to help keep photos
safe; and Aurora makes sharing photos easy with photo
publishing tools and photo sharing capabilities with
sites like Flickr and Facebook.
Aurora believes that everyone’s photos should look
great, and that getting them to look that way should be
simple.
Aurora is available to download & buy online for
$19.95
Original

Win it:

I have ten copies to give away. Visit Lights Crafts and tell me what you learn on the site.

Extra Entries

Subscribe to my blog
Follow me on twitter tell me your twitter ID
Blog about the giveaway include a link to me and a link to the sponsor for three extra entries Tweet the giveaway (every time you tweet you get an entry)
Add my button to your blog/blog roll
Leave a comment for every entry and the giveaway ends May 14th

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